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March 12, 2007
The Atlantic Yards and Two Biblical Images
Old First
What are the biblical lessons regarding power, eminent domain, overdevelopment and cities ruled by kings? This meditation is from Reverend Daniel Meeter of Old First Church:
Let me say in passing, that in the case of the Atlantic Yards, the government appears to be prejudiced. It has bypassed the normal processes of public judgment. If the government is supposed to be an umpire or a referee, in this case, it is playing for one of the teams.
That itself is a moral issue.
...
The concentration of power is a moral issue, because it affects human freedom and human choices, especially the freedom and choices of the weak and powerless. The Bible regards the secure possession of private property and its protection from eminent domain as a sign of human freedom and dignity. The defining story is 1 Kings 21, the story of Naboth's Vineyard.
UPDATE, 3/13/07: Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn posted Reverend Meeter's meditation with a link to the biblical passage.
Click here to read the Biblical passage, complete with a relocation offer and Jezebel in the role of the ESDC.
Posted by lumi at March 12, 2007 9:34 AM